Rochester Mayor Kim Norton Won’t Seek Third Term

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - Another longtime local leader is retiring.

Rochester Mayor Kim Norton today announced that she will not seek a third term this fall. Norton became the city's first female mayor in 2019 after representing Rochester in the Minnesota House for 10 years and previously serving eight years on the Rochester School Board.

Privilege of a Lifetime

“Representing this community has been the privilege of a lifetime, and I’m deeply honored to have had the trust of our residents for so long,” Norton said. She said she hopes her experienced leadership during this challenging time of growth and development has further strengthened the city’s national and international reputation as “America’s City for Health.”

City Benefited From State and National Relationships

In announcing her decision, Norton listed a series of accomplishments during her tenure as mayor, including the benefits realized by the community from the relationships she has built at the state and local levels, as well as with support organizations such as Bloomberg Philanthropies, the National League of Cities, and the U.S. Conference of Mayors. The news release says Norton has helped attract more than a hundred million in investments during her time as mayor.

City of Rochester photo

Norton also indicated she is “immensely proud of the community support for our park and trail system, which has resulted in upgrades across the whole community, with special pride in the improvements to Soldiers Field, Silver Lake, and Cascade Lake, as well as the historic . A bronze statue of Rochester's first elected woman, Amelia Witherstine, was recently erected there.”

Sought to Represent Communities Goals

“My leadership goal has always been to represent the community’s goals and desires to create a place where everyone can thrive. I have sought to lead with dignity, civility, and professionalism. I have done my best but could not have done so without the solid and ongoing support of so many in Rochester and beyond. I am forever grateful to you all.”

Norton went on to say that the time is right for new leadership and that she hopes to focus on “family, travel, and finding new ways to help the city grow and prosper.”

Other Local Leaders Stepping Down

Torgerson. Olmsted County photo

Olmsted County Sheriff Kevin Torgerson also recently announced that he would not be running for reelection this year along with Wabasha County Sheriff Rodney Bartsh and Winona County Sheriff Ron Granrude.

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